Important safety reminder from trimet

WES Tracks Are For Trains, Not for People

Four people were recently observed trespassing on WES
tracks in the Hedges area near the bridge in Tualatin. In June, two girls were
on the tracks, and as the train approached, they disappeared under the trestle.
In July, two males were on the bridge in the same area; the engineer had to put
the train into "emergency braking" -- a last resort to slow the train down --
to avoid hitting them; one of the males had to jump off the bridge into the
water. Both of these incidents were classified as "near misses" by railroad
officials.

These individuals were breaking the law and risking their
lives. Railroad tracks and trestles are private property; people who choose to
walk or play around railroad tracks are trespassing on private property and
could be fined, seriously injured or killed. A train moving at 55 miles per
hour can take up to a mile to stop; a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees
someone on the tracks will likely be unable to stop in time. Trains can't
swerve; emergency braking and sounding an audible device are the only reactive
actions an engineer can take.

Trespassing is a Class A misdemeanor; if caught, it may cost
up to $6,250 and a year in prison. The ultimate penalty is death.  Operation Lifesaver, Portland & Western
Railroad and TriMet want to remind everyone that tracks are for trains, not for
people.